ACT Budget Submission 2022-23

Summary: ACT Budget Submission 2022-23 Key Recommendations: Improve essential services for seniors by enhancing safety, accessibility, and support. Enhance social inclusion by providing more seating in public places for elderly individuals. Address housing issues by supporting homeless seniors and renovating public housing. Ensure completion of retirement living and aged care accommodation in Gun. Substantive Issues: Address concerns about urban infrastructure affecting older individuals' daily lives. Provide paper options for administrative work for seniors without internet access. Assist seniors in making wills and powers of attorney. Address rental affordability issues for retirees in Canberra. Urgent Actions Needed: Immediate action required to ensure safe and suitable accommodation for older individuals. Renovate and restore public housing with adequate standards for people with disabilities and the elderly. Increase accessibility and safety features in public housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Improve public transport options for seniors, including free public transport. Provide more buses and bus stops to service retirement villages and aged care accommodation. Healthcare Concerns: Waiting times for elective surgery in the ACT are too long, with 90% of patients admitted within 353 days in 2020-21. Proposal to double Canberra Hospital Emergency Department capacity to reduce waiting times.